The School Psychology program is committed to preparing graduate students to practice psychology in educational and clinical settings that serve children, adolescents, and their families. The program employs an instructional model that combines a sound understanding of psychological theory and research with outstanding practicum and internship experiences. The curriculum imparts foundational knowledge in psychology, education, intervention and problem solving, statistics and research methodology, and professional school psychology, along with supervised experiences in educational and clinical settings.

All students admitted to the MA in psychology concentration in school psychology are expected to complete also the School Psychology Graduate Certificate. Students must apply for admission to both the master’s program concentration and the certificate.  Students in the combined master’s concentration-certificate program must complete a one-year full-time internship along with a 6-credit course (PSYC 790 - School Psychology Internship) during their third year of study.

Students who are admitted to the MA in psychology concentration in applied developmental psychology who also wish to pursue additional training in school psychology must apply for admission to the school psychology program. These students should consult with the director of the school psychology program to develop an individual program of study that fulfills the requirements for licensure or certification.

The MA concentration and graduate certificate in school psychology make up a program designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in school psychology. The program is approved by School Psychology Training Programs of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Students completing the concentration in the master’s degree and the certificate will be eligible for licensure in Virginia and certification or licensure in other states as a school psychologist. Certification or licensure as a school psychologist typically requires all course work for both the master’s degree and the certificate. (Students seeking licensure for independent practice as a school psychologist must meet the educational, residency, and exam requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Psychology.)

Full time Enrollment

Students in the school psychology concentration are required to enroll full time unless an alternative arrangement is made with the permission of the director of the concentration.

Nondegree Status

Non-Mason students enrolled in a school psychology training program at another institution who are completing an internship in the local area and wish to enroll in PSYC 790 - School Psychology Internship may do so by enrolling in nondegree status with the approval by the director of the program.

Reduction of Credit

The number of credits required for the concentration may be reduced by a maximum of 18 credits on the basis of graduate course work completed before admission with approval of the school psychology faculty, director of the graduate program, and dean.